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More interviewing Orla today and posting on YouTube. Dad made a thumbnail for the first time using Canva.

As the thumbnail suggests, today's interview was about Orla's memories of holidays over the last 12 months.

Here's a ChatGPT summary of the transcript of the interview:

 
 1. August - Showcase in Banbury
 
In August, Orla participated in a showcase organized by her music teacher in Banbury. This was a significant experience for her, as she performed “Moonlight Sonata” on the piano, although she wasn't yet involved in singing. The trip began with a stay in a quirky B&B, which Orla described as “a really weird place with a big field and a willow tree in front.” She fondly recalled watching ‘Top of the Pops’ with ice cream, but also humorously noted that “the shower smelled like dog, the hot water ran out, and then the shower head fell on my head, so that was an experience.” One highlight of the trip was exploring Shakespeare’s town, Stratford-upon-Avon, where they wandered through a market and Orla treated herself to “a really nice cookie.” Meeting other performers was a turning point for her, as she said, “I absolutely loved meeting everyone and performing. It’s what made me want to do singing this year, which I’m very, very glad that I have done.”
 
 2. October – Crail, Fife
 
In October, the family took a brief holiday in Crail. Orla recalled it as a peaceful escape, mentioning, “There was a really nice sunset, and in the morning, me and Conor just went to the playground next to where we were staying. I went on the swings, and that was really, really nice.” She spent her downtime reading ‘Coraline’ and re-watching ‘Song of the Sea’, which she described as “such a good film.” A planned overnight stay in St. Andrews turned into a day trip due to an impending storm, but they made the most of it. Orla enjoyed walking along the beach where the iconic ‘Chariots of Fire’ scene was filmed, and she vividly remembered, “We went to a bookshop, and that’s where I got ‘Hogfather’, which I then read in November.”
 
 3. December - Botmas in the Lake District
 
December brought the festive "Botmas" celebration in the Lake District, where the family stayed in a historic house that was allegedly haunted by the illegitimate daughter of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Orla found the house fascinating, though she admitted it was “a spooky place.” The holiday was magical with heavy snow, and she delighted in building snowmen, remarking, “It was snowing so heavily, and I remember making snowmen and also helping push a car up a hill, like a rugby scrum. That was an experience!” The festive season was filled with laughter and creativity, particularly when the Botters enjoyed a rewrite of ‘A Christmas Carol’, by “Charles GPT Dickens.”
 
 4. February – Dad’s 50th Birthday Celebration in the Lake District and Durham
 
In February, the family celebrated your 50th birthday with a return to the Lake District, staying in a lovely hotel. Orla shared her enjoyment of the trip, saying, “That hotel was just really, really nice.” The celebrations continued with a ferry ride on Lake Windermere and later a visit to Durham, where they explored the grand cathedral. Orla was particularly impressed by the cathedral, recalling, “There was a big Lego replica of the cathedral that was really cool.” The trip was a mix of relaxation and exploration, creating lasting memories of beautiful locations.
 
 5. April - Easter in Melmerby, Coverdale
 
April saw the family spending Easter in a charming cottage in Melmerby, Coverdale. Orla enjoyed the countryside, noting, “On the first night, we watched ‘Brassed Off’, the one about the brass band and the miners in Yorkshire.” The next day featured a long walk, which she liked because “we saw a bunch of lambs, which was quite ironic considering it was Easter.” The Easter egg hunt was a highlight, with Lindt bunnies hidden around, though one remained unfound. She also fondly remembered, “We had a nice leg of lamb dinner, and after that, we watched the first episode of ‘Renegade Nell’.”
 
 6. June - Menorca Trip
 
In June, Orla was treated to a special trip to Menorca as a reward for her hard work in exams. The journey started with some anxiety about flying, but Orla soon discovered that “taking off and landing was actually kind of fun.” They stayed in a cozy apartment with a shared pool, where she found the lack of Wi-Fi to be a blessing, saying, “The place didn’t really have that great Wi-Fi, which was actually kind of a blessing because it meant I got to read my book a lot more.” She spent her days by the beach, enjoying the clear water and beautiful views, though she admitted, “I didn’t actually go in the sea at all; I just sat on the beach and read, and that was enough for me.” The trip was a perfect mix of relaxation and quiet exploration, with Orla reflecting, “The view was fantastic, and the whole place was just really lovely.”
 
 7. August - Family Holiday in Ireland
 
In August, the family embarked on an extensive and memorable holiday to Ireland, marking Orla’s first-ever visit to the country—a trip she had been looking forward to given her family’s Irish roots. The adventure began with a ferry ride to Belfast, which set the tone for a journey filled with exploration, discovery, and a deep connection to the places they visited.
 
The first stop was Port Rush, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and scenic views. The family stayed in a charming cabin and took a long walk along White Rocks Beach. Orla vividly recalled, “There was fog on either end of the beach, and it felt like something out of a movie, with the blue sky above but haziness all around.” This surreal atmosphere made the experience even more special for her. 
 
From Port Rush, the family ventured to the iconic Giant's Causeway. Orla was captivated by the unique rock formations, particularly the giant organ pipes that she described as looking “like a giant monster with teeth.” This natural wonder left a lasting impression on her, adding to the magic of the trip.
 
Next, they visited the historic city of Derry, a place rich in culture and history. Walking along the city walls was both disorienting and fascinating for Orla, who momentarily forgot that the walls form a loop. She recounted, “I got quite disoriented when we came back to where we started. It was like black magic!” In Derry, they also took time to admire the famous Derry Girls mural and visited the Guild Hall to learn about the Plantation of Ulster.
 
After Derry, the family headed to Donegal, where they stayed in a unique B&B made from shipping containers. This quirky accommodation was surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with boulders as steps and a view that Orla found “absolutely amazing.” Despite some unpredictable weather, including strong winds and rain, the family made the most of their time. Orla enjoyed flying a kite on the beach, an activity that brought a sense of freedom and joy amidst the rugged landscape. 
 
Then another overnight stop in a pod overlooking the sea. It was very wet and windy when they arrived. The pod they stayed in, though small, offered a cozy retreat, where Orla spent time watching Pokémon during the stormy weather.
 
The next leg of the journey took them to Galway, a vibrant city known for its lively arts scene and historic sites. The family stayed in a hotel and explored the city, despite some rainy weather. A highlight was their discovery of a restaurant called Milano’s, which they initially thought was a unique Italian eatery, only to find out it was simply Pizza Express under a different name. Orla chuckled at the memory, saying, “We thought we needed to get Italian food, but it turned out to be just Pizza Express with a different name!” Despite the mix-up, they enjoyed their time wandering through the streets of Galway, visiting a local wool shop, and soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
 
The next stop on the tour was County Kerry, a region known for its stunning landscapes and rugged coastline. The stay in Kerry began with a warm and relaxing evening at their accommodation, a charming bungalow nestled in the countryside. On the first night, the family enjoyed a delightful barbecue, making the most of the good weather after escaping the rain that had followed them earlier in their trip. Orla recalled, “The barbecue was fantastic, though I was still recovering from the excitement of watching a short ‘Sanders Sides’ video that had just come out. My heart rate was through the roof because I was so excited!”
 
The following day was dedicated to exploring the natural beauty of Kerry. Their first stop was the Kerry Cliffs, a dramatic stretch of coastline that offers some of the most breathtaking views in Ireland. The cliffs also provided a panoramic view of Skellig Michael, the remote island famous for its role in the ‘Star Wars’ films. Orla was particularly excited to see the location, saying, “It was so cool to see the cliffs overlooking the islands where the scenes with the puffins were filmed in ‘Star Wars’. The cliffs were absolutely amazing.”
 
After taking in the views at the cliffs, the family headed to Valencia Island, a place rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. They drove around the island, exploring its various landmarks and enjoying the serene atmosphere. One of the highlights of their visit was discovering the tetrapod footprints, ancient fossils that date back millions of years. These footprints are some of the oldest evidence of life on land and belong to a creature that was one of the first to walk on Earth. Orla was fascinated by this piece of prehistory, marvelling at how these “giant salamander-like creatures with arms and legs” had left their mark on the world so long ago.
 
The day also included a visit to a large church on the island, a stunning building that stood out against the wild landscape. Inside, the church was grand and serene, offering a moment of reflection after a day of exploration. Orla appreciated the blend of history and natural beauty that defined their time in Kerry, saying, “Valencia Island was just incredible. Between the cliffs, the ancient footprints, and the views, it felt like we were stepping back in time.”
 
The visit to County Kerry was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, filled with moments of awe and wonder as the family connected with Ireland’s ancient past and natural splendour. This part of the trip left a lasting impression on Orla, who found the landscapes of Kerry to be among the most beautiful she had ever seen.
 
Continuing their journey, they travelled to Cork, where they explored the famous Blarney Castle and Gardens. Although they decided against kissing the Blarney Stone—“It would have been an hour’s wait in a queue on a spiral staircase, just to lean over and kiss a stone that hundreds of other people have kissed!”—they thoroughly enjoyed the stunning gardens. The lush greenery and intricate pathways provided a perfect setting for a leisurely day of exploration. In Cork, they also visited an Irish pub that had sentimental value for the family, as it was a place where Orla’s grandparents had celebrated a significant birthday the year before. However, the meal was a bit of a letdown for Orla, who had expected a flavourful dish but was served something far less exciting. She reflected, “I ordered chicken, expecting it to be seasoned with herbs and honey-glazed carrots, but it was just bland chicken with boiled carrots and mashed potatoes.”
 
The trip then brought them to Dublin, Ireland’s bustling capital. Here, they explored the city’s many arcades and stumbled upon a retro clothing shop that immediately caught Orla’s eye. Despite her usual aversion to shopping, she was drawn to the shop’s unique offerings, particularly a dress with a snake design that she knew she had to have. Though time didn’t allow for a purchase then, her mother later surprised her with the dress for her birthday. In Dublin, they also visited historical sites, including the poignant Museum of Immigration, which provided a deep dive into the stories of those who had left Ireland over the centuries. The city’s blend of old and new, along with its rich history, left a strong impression on Orla, who found herself charmed by Dublin’s unique character.
  
Following their time in Dublin, the family headed to County Down. They had planned to stay in a quaint old cottage in Dromara. However, upon arrival, the family found the cottage to be somewhat eerie and uncomfortable, especially given its age and the chilly atmosphere inside. Orla described it as “really kind of creepy,” noting that the coldness of the cottage didn’t help to ease the unease they all felt. After a brief discussion, they decided that this wasn’t the right place for them to stay, especially given the stark contrast to the warm and cozy accommodations they had enjoyed earlier in the trip.
 
Deciding to leave, the family quickly booked a new place to stay in a nearby coastal town. They settled in Ardglass, where the new accommodation was much more comfortable and welcoming. This new location was a charming fishing village with a beautiful view of the harbour and the surrounding sea. Although Orla had a headache during their stay, she was able to recover and enjoy the peaceful setting. The picturesque village, with its boats bobbing in the harbour and the sound of the waves in the background, provided a perfect end to their travels along the eastern coast of Ireland.
 
As part of their journey through Ireland, the family made a brief but meaningful visit to Portaferry, a small town located at the mouth of Strangford Lough in County Down. This stop held particular significance due to its connection with the family’s ancestry, as they had relatives who once lived in the area. The visit began with a scenic drive up the eastern side of Strangford Lough, which provided beautiful views of the countryside and the lough itself.
 
In Portaferry, the family took a short ferry ride across the mouth of the lough, a simple but enjoyable experience that added to the charm of their visit. Once on the other side, they explored the town, visiting a local church and its surrounding graveyard. The church, with its old stone walls and tranquil setting, offered a poignant connection to the past. The family walked among the headstones, reflecting on the lives of those who had come before them and the ties that bound them to this place. Orla found the experience both solemn and fascinating, remarking on the sense of history that seemed to permeate the air.
 
Afterward, they stopped at a local shop for some refreshments before continuing their journey. The drive through Portaferry, though brief, provided a deep sense of connection to their roots and added a layer of personal history to their broader exploration of Ireland.

Their final destination was Belfast, where they wrapped up their Irish adventure. The family explored the city, visiting a grand church that Orla found “absolutely gorgeous,” and took in the sight of the famous yellow cranes in the shipyard, a symbol of Belfast’s industrial past. They also spent time at a retro shop filled with CDs and memorabilia, though they didn’t buy anything. The trip concluded with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where Orla indulged in a chocolate sundae, savouring the last moments of their holiday.
 
As they queued for the ferry back home, the family reflected on their journey through Ireland, filled with laughter, exploration, and new experiences. For Orla, this trip was not just about visiting a new country, but about connecting with her heritage, discovering new places, and making memories that would last a lifetime.